PCF Marler

PFC Marler

I just wanted to tell you about my Marine. PFC Cody Marler, Camp Geiger, NC…he was only 11 when 9-11 happened and after watching the planes crash into the towers on TV, he told me he was going to be a Marine. I thought he would grow out of it, but he didn’t. He graduated high school a full year ahead of everyone else on Feb. 23, 2007. He turned 17 on April 7, 2007, which was a Sunday, but on Monday morning he was a Marine recruit and on May 7 he was at MCRD. (The longest 13 weeks of my life!) We went to his graduation on Aug. 3, 2007, Golf Co. Plt. 2154, and I have never been so proud in my life, not just proud of my son, but of every son standing there that day. From there Cody had 10 days leave and after a day at Sea World, we headed home. Being with Cody at the airport, out in public, was like being with a rock star! Men shook his hand, former servicemen shared stories of their time as a Marine or Soldier, women thanked and hugged him, and teenage girls posed for pictures with him and giggled like he was Brad Pit! My pick-up, (photo attached), is covered with bumper stickers from Sgt. Grit and never fails to get comments when I am in town. I have never heard anyone say a disparaging word about my son, the war, or the Marine Corps. Everyone has been so supportive. And I would just like to say thank you to every service man and woman, past and present. Semper Fi!

Rie McGaha Antlers, OK